3-Time Grammy Award Winner Enters Boxing World as Manager With 18–3 Pro Boxer

You know boxing is making a strong comeback when everyone seems eager to join the action. Among the latest to step into its orbit are singer-songwriter and actor Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith. While he hasn’t gone as far as to don the gloves himself, the 45-year-old has embraced a new role in the sport—as a manager.

It wasn’t like he wasn’t successful in the music industry, having won three Grammys, including Best Contemporary R&B Album for ‘Because of You’ in 2007 and Best R&B Song for ‘Miss Independent’ in 2009. Regardless, he entered the boxing sphere ready for action, having already signed a professional boxer. Who is his first client? 

Well, it’s none other than cruiserweight fighter Paul Bamba, boasting an impressive professional record of 18-3, with 17 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Bamba already has a fight lined up on December 21st against former super middleweight contender Rogelio Medina of Mexico. 

The bout will unfold just outside of Staten Island at the Carteret Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. After losing to Chris Avila in April last year, Bamba has had quite a busy 2024, scoring 13 straight knockout wins, the last one coming against Santander Silgado Gelez of Colombia

Regardless, Bamba and his new manager have known each other for a while now. 

Paul Bamba shares thoughts on having Ne-Yo as his manager in boxing

Since the news went public, Bamba said in a statement, “I’m honored to work with Ne-Yo in this capacity and I’m grateful for his unwavering confidence in me.” Looking forward to the opportunities he may get working with a celebrity, Bamba added, “I know he has the ability to open new doors and create opportunities for me to elevate as a fighter. It’s going to be an exciting new chapter.”

The three-time Grammy award winner is no stranger to combat sports, having already trained with Bamba in the gym, and even took a Muay Thai class in Thailand. “I’ve always been a martial arts fan, so I was excited to take my first professional Muaythai (sic) class while I had some downtime from the tour in Thailand,” he claimed on Instagram.

While this partnership can prove beneficial for Paul Bamba, it’s yet to be seen how far Ne-Yo takes his new role as a boxing manager. Regardless, what do you think about Ne-Yo’s entry into boxing? Who should the singer look to hire as his next client?